Page 150 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Photo Courtesy of PBI/Gordon Corp. Groundsel
(Senecio vulgaris)
Photo Courtesy of PBI/Gordon Corp. Common groundsel is a winter annual member of the aster family.
Groundsel has a taproot with a secondary fibrous root system. The
sparsely hairy leaves are alternate on upright , many branched
stems. The lower leaves are wavy margined to deeply lobed
margins. Upper leaves are stemless and coarsely toothed to irregu-
larly lobed.
The flowers heads of common groundsel are composed of several
yellow disk flowers. Common groundsel is a prolific seed producer.
Seeds are produced within several weeks of groundsel germinating,
resulting in several generations within the same year. Groundsel
reproduces by seed.
Groundsel is found throughout Canada and the United States and
Immature Stage likes moist, rich soil.
Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations
Cultural Practices:
Groundsel is most problematic in the autumn and spring during cool wet weather. Good drainage may help to dis-
courage infestation. Dense healthy turf will prevent seeds from taking root. Heavy infestation will likely require
post emergent herbicide treatment in turf areas.
Herbicide Use:
Make your postemergent herbicide application to groundsel that is actively growing and in the seedling to flower
stage of growth.

Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion is a winter perennial. The dandelion has thick fleshy tap
root which often branches. New plants come from the root and
root segments. Leaves form in a rosette, are deeply lobed, with
the lobes pointing toward the base. Both the leaves and flower
stems contain a white milky fluid.
The flowers are yellow and are individual stems. The seeds are
brown with tip containing white hairs. The yellow flower will turn to
a white globular puff ball. The seeds are disseminated by wind.
Dandelions spread by both seed and stems from the root.
Dandelion is found throughout the United States.

Immature Stage
Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations
Cultural Practices:
Dandelions can be physically removed, but it is very important to remove the taproot, in its entirety if possible, as
new plants can sprout from root sections. Do not try to remove dandelions by hand; use the appropriate digging
tool which is designed to penetrate deep with minimum damage to surrounding turfgrass plants.
Good insect and disease control and a sound fertility program will help to prevent the open spaces that allow
dandelion seeds to take root.
Herbicide Use:
Since dandelions are winter perennials which germinate in the fall, postemergent herbicide applications will be
most effective at this time. Use a selective postemergent application timed after germination when plants are
young and actively growing.

144